Lifehack: How to be smarter than your smartphone

Do you know what the most powerful tool on earth is? If your answer is your smartphone, then you definitely need to read this article. The most powerful tool in existence has a considerably larger memory capacity than your phone. But just like your mobile device, you need to recharge it regularly, and if you don’t take good care of it, you run the risk of losing it. We’re talking about your grey matter, one that got neglected the most when you started a relationship with Siri.

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The good news is there’s a theory called neuroplasticity that proves that the brain can be changed with a little training. So, get off your phone and get started on the following:

Learn something new everyday

Although learning Greek is a plus, something simple as trying out a new recipe or even using your left hand for certain tasks (if you’re right handed) can stimulate your brain and change its structure.

Broaden your world

You don’t need a passport to see what’s out there. Try out different cuisines, go to your local museum, and get off your butt to take a walk! According to clinical neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum, “When you expose your brain to an environment that’s novel and complex or new and difficult, the brain literally reacts.” And that helps grows its capacity.

Be nosy

Curiosity might kill the cat, but it’ll revive your dormant brain cells. Don’t be afraid to question things and find out more about what’s presented to you. Learn how things work and think about how you can improve things to teach your brain to innovate and create.

Maximize your memory

While it’s easy to rely on your mobile devices, memorize phone numbers, birthdays, and other important data to exercise your memory muscle. Also, use your head, not your calculator, to do simple arithmetic.

Again, put that mobile device down

Watching viral videos won’t help your brain much. Some studies show that frequencies produced by your phone impair memory. And excessive screen time has been proven to be detrimental to brain function and development. If you have to use your phone, use it to read the news.

Read, read, read

Does this really need an explanation? Never mind the new things you learn from reading or that it relieves stress. Getting lost in a book is a form of visual exercise for the brain which stimulates your occipital lobe, the part that’s responsible for your imagination, creativity, and decision making. Reading is the best way to improve mental function and helping your brain create new neurons—no matter how old you are.

Think positive

Negativity can affect your noggin. Experts claim that stress and anxiety can zap out brain neurons and stop new ones from growing. But by thinking positively, you’re speeding up the creation of new cells.

Eat smart

When stocking up your fridge, keep in mind that your brain consumes about 20 percent of the nutrients that we take in. Include smart foods into your diet like avocadoes, blueberries, wild salmon, nuts, seeds, beans, tea, whole grains, pomegranate juice, curry, celery, broccoli, and the best stuff of all: dark chocolate.

Get your fresh air fix

Vitamin G, or time spent out in green space, is proven to boost brain power and lower stress levels. In fact, reports show that kids who spend more time outdoors do better in school and show less signs of ADHD. Fresh air helps you think better, gives you greater clarity, and improves your concentration.

Give it a rest

Recharge your brain by getting enough sleep. The brain actually performs maintenance while we sleep, allowing us to wake up refreshed with a clearer head. Sleep also regenerates and removes toxins from the body. Hit the sack between 9 p.m. to midnight to benefit most from slumber.